The Unspoken Rules of Coding for Both Novice and Sage Developers: A Guide to Writing Better Code

Programming is more than just typing lines of code and executing commands. It is an art, a science, and a discipline. While books and courses can teach syntax and frameworks, there are the unspoken rules of coding for both novice and sage developers that determine how efficient, readable, and maintainable code is written. Whether you are just stepping into the world of development or have been coding for years, understanding these unwritten principles can elevate your craft.
1. Write Readable Code
Code should be written not just for machines but for humans as well. A well-structured, readable codebase helps developers (including future-you) understand what the program does without needing to decipher cryptic variables and functions.
- Use meaningful variable and function names.
- Follow consistent indentation and spacing.
- Avoid unnecessarily complex logic.
Readable code reduces debugging time and enhances collaboration, ensuring that your team can work efficiently. This is one of the unspoken rules of coding for both novice and sage developers that separates good programmers from great ones.

2. Keep It Simple (KISS Principle)
The “Keep It Simple, Stupid” (KISS) principle is one of the fundamental guidelines in programming. The simpler the code, the easier it is to maintain and debug.
A common mistake among beginners is overengineering—writing complex functions when a straightforward solution would suffice. Even experienced developers sometimes fall into this trap by trying to be too clever. Stick to simple, clear logic to enhance maintainability.
3. Comment and Document Wisely
While well-written code should be self-explanatory, comments and documentation provide valuable insights, especially in large projects. However, unnecessary comments can clutter code rather than clarify it.
Good practice includes:
- Documenting function inputs, outputs, and edge cases.
- Explaining non-trivial logic.
- Avoiding redundant comments like:
x = x + 1 # Increment x by 1 (This is unnecessary)
The best developers strike a balance between clarity and conciseness. This is yet another aspect of the unspoken rules of coding for both novice and sage developers that every programmer must embrace.
4. Embrace DRY (Don’t Repeat Yourself) Principle
Repetition in code increases the risk of bugs and makes future modifications difficult. Instead of copying and pasting blocks of code, use functions, classes, or reusable modules.
For example, instead of writing this repeatedly:
def calculate_area_of_square(side):
return side * side
def calculate_area_of_rectangle(length, width):
return length * width
You could generalize it as:
def calculate_area(shape, *args):
if shape == "square":
return args[0] * args[0]
elif shape == "rectangle":
return args[0] * args[1]
This not only reduces redundancy but also makes your code scalable. Applying DRY is part of the unspoken rules of coding for both novice and sage developers that improves efficiency.
5. Handle Errors Gracefully
Error handling is one of the distinguishing features of a professional developer. Code that lacks error handling will crash unexpectedly, making debugging a nightmare.
Novices often ignore exceptions, whereas experienced programmers design their code to anticipate and handle errors. Instead of writing:
result = 10 / user_input
Use:
try:
result = 10 / user_input
except ZeroDivisionError:
print("Error: Division by zero is not allowed.")
except TypeError:
print("Error: Invalid input type.")
Proper error handling ensures a better user experience and minimizes downtime. This is why it is one of the unspoken rules of coding for both novice and sage developers that should never be overlooked.
6. Optimize Code Without Premature Optimization
Optimization is crucial, but premature optimization can lead to unnecessary complexity. A common mistake among developers is trying to make their code lightning-fast before confirming whether it’s actually needed.
Follow these steps instead:
- Write clear and correct code first.
- Profile the code to identify bottlenecks.
- Optimize only the parts that need improvement.
This principle, championed by legendary programmer Donald Knuth, aligns with the unspoken rules of coding for both novice and sage developers—focus on clarity first, then efficiency.
7. Version Control is Non-Negotiable
Using version control systems like Git is essential for both beginners and professionals. Many novice developers hesitate to learn Git, but version control helps track changes, collaborate efficiently, and revert mistakes.
Some best practices include:
- Committing often with meaningful messages.
- Using branches for new features.
- Merging code only after proper testing.
Ignoring version control is one of the worst habits a developer can have. That’s why it’s an integral part of the unspoken rules of coding for both novice and sage developers.
8. Write Tests for Your Code
Many developers skip testing, thinking it’s unnecessary. However, writing unit tests can save time in the long run by catching bugs early.
Consider this simple test for a function:
def add_numbers(a, b):
return a + b
def test_add_numbers():
assert add_numbers(2, 3) == 5
assert add_numbers(-1, 1) == 0
Automated testing ensures that your code remains stable, even after modifications. Testing is not optional—it is a part of the unspoken rules of coding for both novice and sage developers.
9. Learn to Debug Efficiently
Debugging is a skill that differentiates experienced developers from beginners. Instead of randomly adding print statements, use debugging tools like:
- Python’s
pdb
- JavaScript’s Chrome DevTools
- Logging frameworks
Debugging efficiently means understanding the root cause of an issue instead of blindly patching symptoms. This is why debugging smartly is one of the unspoken rules of coding for both novice and sage developers.
10. Keep Learning and Stay Updated
Technology evolves rapidly. What works today may become obsolete tomorrow. Both new and experienced developers should commit to lifelong learning.
Ways to stay updated include:
- Following industry blogs and forums.
- Contributing to open-source projects.
- Exploring new programming languages and frameworks.
Mastering the unspoken rules of coding for both novice and sage developers means constantly improving and adapting. The best programmers are those who never stop learning.
Final Thoughts
Coding is more than writing functional programs—it’s about writing clean, maintainable, and scalable code. By following the unspoken rules of coding for both novice and sage developers, you can improve your coding style, enhance collaboration, and build software that stands the test of time.
Whether you are just starting out or have years of experience, these unwritten principles will help you navigate the ever-changing landscape of software development. So, the next time you write code, remember: clarity over cleverness, simplicity over complexity, and continuous learning over stagnation. Happy coding! 🚀